Friday Reads: Writer’s Market 2017

“Friday Reads” is a weekly blog written by reference librarian Faith Lee about great books, magazines, and the occasional reference work. Blogs may be about new titles added to the library, selections from the Staff Picks shelf or about something she recently read. Admittedly, there is a definite slant toward nonfiction, because, well, she’s a reference librarian and likes to learn new things. Guest bloggers take a turn sometimes too. No matter the source, good reads are featured here.

Just this week a patron asked for information to help him get started with writing for publication, which brings me to my book of the week: Writer’s Market 2017, 96th annual edition. This authoritative guide has been around since 1921, providing “essential information and advice on the business and promotion of writing.” It opens with several articles written by published authors that offer advice on finding and managing work, such as “Write Better Queries and Sell More Articles” and “How to develop an Effective Author Brand.” The bulk of the guide comes next, a directory of markets, which lists: literary agents, book publishers, consumer magazines and trade journals. Also included in this section are a list of contests and awards. The final sections are a list professional organizations, a glossary of terms (very helpful for newbies) and two indexes so you can find your way in a flash.

We have two copies of Writer’s Market: one that is always available in the reference room and another that can be checked out. They both have the call # 070.52 WRI.

New writers looking to be published should also consult Literary Market Place: LMP, 2017. This “directory of the book publishing industry” is a two-volume set in the reference room only (call # 070.5 LIT) which lists publishers, editorial services & agents, associations, events, courses & awards, books & magazines for the trade, a personnel index and a company index.

Using both the Writer’s Market and LMP, aspiring writers are well armed to get their books published.

The Writer’s Market is part of a series. Here are more titles from that series to help different types of creators get their work to the marketplace. We update them annually.